Hydrocarbon-burner.



W. H. THAYER.

HYDnocAnoN BURNER.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. I7.' 1916- Patented May 29,1917.

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HYDROCARBON-BURNER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

- Patented May 29, 1917.

Application filed August 17, 1916. Serial No. 115,445.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that l, WILLIAM THAYER,

a citizen of the United States, residing at olumbia, in the county of Richland and State of South Carolina, have invented new and useful improvements in Hydrocarbon- Burners, of which the following is a specification.

`This invention relates to hydrocarbon burners, andy has for its object to produce a burner of the above type with improved mechanism for utilizing heavy grades of hydrocarbon as its chief source of fuel.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a hydrocarbon burner with improved features of construction` whereby the same will be kept free from the clogging influence of carbon collecting within the important passage ways thereof.

A further object rests in a burner of the above character wherein is provided improved means for combining fuel emitted by the generatorthercof with atmospheric oxygen.

Still further object resides in applying said burner to an improved form of illuminating lamp, the latter being reliable in operation, economical from a fuel consuming standpoint, capable of being continuously employed forl extended periods and to utilize the cheap heavy grades of hydrocarbon oils as its principal source of fuel.

@ther objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the novel features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction herein described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown one of the various possible embodiments of the invention,

Figure l is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the burner and lamp constructed in accordance with the present invention,

Fig. 2 is a similar view taken along the line 2f-2 of Fig. l, I

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view, taken `on the plane indicated by the line of Fig. 4- is a similar view taken on the line of Fig. l,

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 5 5 of Fig. l,

Fig. 6 is a similar view taken on the line G--G of Fig. l,

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view disclosing the construction of the fuel admitting valve, and

Fig. S is a section on the line 8 8 of Fig. 7.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawing.

As tending to render clearer certain aims of this invention, andthe means whereby they are achieved, it may be noted here that if the action of a kerosene burning lamp is to be efficient and reliable, it is of prime importance that the fuel emitting orifice of the generator thereof be kept free of clogging carbon deposits, so that the flow of fuel from the generator will be absolutely unrestricted, in order that the burners of the lamp will receive sufficient fuel to properly perform their assigned functions.

lVhile it is generally known that the heavy hydrocarbon fuels contain the greatest amount of carbon, the evils thereof arising from the use of such fuels in burners are, however, but vaguely understood. Therefore, it is thought well to state, that when such fuels are utilized in hydrocarbon burners, one of the principal evils arising therefrom resides in the clogging of the generators fuel discharging orifice.v Thus the life of the generator hitherto used is of short duration by reason of the same quickly becoming filled up with a carbon deposit. Also, the fuel emitting orifice of the generator has heretofore been of such minute diameter that the same rapidly becomes out of order by carbon flakes or layers depositing in or collecting around the same. Briefly stated, the failure of kerosene burning lamps hitherto developed is directly traceable to their inability to prevent carbon from collecting in or depositing around their fuel conducting passageways.

As carbon deposits are chiefly the cause of kerosene lamp disorder, it is therefore the aim of this invention to eliminate this evil in kerosene burning lamps. To accomplish this result I contemplate increasing the size of the generator gas orifice output, until thc latter element has quadrupled the standard proportion of the same hitherto found in kerosene lamps. rlihis produces a new and useful result, inasmuch as it permits all loose carbon to pass out through said orifice, so as to be prevented from remaining therein, thus adding to the longevity of the generator lamp.

However, in view of the fact that by making such a radical departure in the generator construction, e. the enlarged orifice, it will be obvious that a proportionate amount of additional fuel over that previously admitted by a smaller orifice, will be delivered by the orifice. Therefore, in order that this relatively large amount of fuel will be thoroughly commingled with sufficient atmospheric oxygen to promote its inflammable characteristics, l have provided mechanism for passing the fuel through an air mixing chamber of novel construction before the fuel is` admitted to the burners of the lamp, said air mixing chamber being formed at intervals throughout its length with air admitting openings, whereby said fuel when passing through the mixing chamber will be thoroughly commingled with air so that the same will be in a highly iniiammable state upon reaching the lamp burners.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, a hydrocarbon burner comprising the present invention has been shown as applied to an illuminating lamp 1, the same in its preferred embodiment includes parallel vertically extending rods 2 and 3 which have their upper extremities secured to a cross bar 4L, and their lower extremities suitably fastened to a conical burner supporting member 5. The cone shaped member as herein referred to, is a preferred form of construction although other forms will work equally well. A fuel supply 6 ext-ends into the lamp 1 and is adapted to receive fuel from any suitable source, such as a superimposed tank or reservoir (not shown). The lamp also embodies a Igenerator tube 7, which serves to heat the fuel to a gaseous state before the same is permitted to enter an air mixing chamber S, to be intermingled with the atmospheric oxygen. A fuel controlling valve 9 governs the flow of fuel to the lamp.

The fuel supply pipe 6 extends through a hollow supporting tube 10, which has the lower extremity thereof rigidly connected as at 11 with the cross bar Ll, the upper extremity of the tube 10 being lconnected with a suitable bearing or the like (not shown) to which the tube is rigidly secured. ln other words, in the preferred form of the invention, the lamp 1 is suspended in a secure manner from the fixed tube 10, said tube receiving the entire weight of the lamp. This construction, however, is not necessarily essential as other means may be employed for supporting the lamp. The supply pipe is connected with the cross bar et by means of a union which is threaded into an enlarged opening 13 formed in the upper extremity of the bar -1. The opening 13 communicates with a branch opening 14 which terminates in a horizontal borer 15. The bore 15 communicates with a vertically extending port 1G leading to a generator or vaporizing tube 17. A union 18 unites the tube 17 with the cross bar e and is provided with a hand nut 19, threaded upon the upper extremity of the vaporizing tube 17. The union 18 is further provided with a central bore 2O which alines with the vertical port 1G and the interior of the tube 17. rlhus fuel is fed from the supply pipe 6 to the Vaporizing tubes 17, by way of the openings 13, 14, 15 and 16, and 20, as has been Aclearly illustrated in lig. 7 of the drawing. The needle valve 9 is tiireaded into the horizontally disposed bore 15 and serves to govern the passage of fuel passing into the tube 17. The hand nut 19 is provided in order that the vaporizing tube may be readily removed from the lam a, so that it may be conveniently cleaned upon the event of the same becoming clogged.

The vaporizing tube 17 consists of a pipe section disposed centrally of the lamp 1, the same being threaded to the nut 19 and is thus supported by the cross bar 1/l. rlhe tube 17 is hollow throughout its length and has its lower extremity threaded to receive an orifice containing cap 22 provided with an enlarged fuel' discharging orifice Q3, forming a distinct part of the present invention. rlhe cap 22 is positioned within a vertically extending opening 24- formed in a starting pan Q5, the latter being adapted to receive a relatively small quantity of fuel, which is ignited when the lamp is initially thrown into operation, so that the fuel passing through the tube 17 will be vaporized by the heat generated from the burning fuel within the starting pan. Thus when the fuel of the lamp is discharged by the orifice it will be in a volatile or gaseous state so that the same will be capable of being readily associated with the oxygen of the air in a manner to be more fully disclosed. The starting pan 25 is positioned upon a supporting plate 26, mounted on the rods 2 and 3. rEhe pan 25 is only employed for initially vagorizing the fuel within the tube 17, as after the fuel of the starting pan has been consumed, an automatic heater' is thrown into operation, to be fully set forth hereinafter.

Positioned upon the upper extremity of the conical member 5 and connected with the rods 9. and 3 is the mixing chamber 8, the latter being utilized to insure a perfect mixture of the vaporized fuel emitted by the oridisposed bores 30 `positioned in vertical alinement with the orifice 23. The section 29 is positioned upon a seat 3l formed in the conical member 5, and the bore 30 of the section 27 opens into the flared interior of said conical member. rEhe sections consist of enlarged portions which surround the bore 30 and with enlarged rods receiving extremities 32, the latter being formed with alining openings 33 to receive the rods 2 and S3, whereby the sections will be rigidly secured within the lamp. lntegral webs 34 of the `sections unite the enlarged bore portions thereof with the rod receiving extremities 32. vide air inlet spaces 35, 36 and 37 by which air will be admitted into the bore 30 by steis or stages so as to insure a thorough mixture of the fuel with air.` lt will be noted that the upper extremities of the bore 3() are flared as at 38, and that the bores of the sections increase in diameter toward the conical member 5, this being accomplished in order t-hat air will be drawn into the bores and in the manner indicated by the arrows C without being obstructed by walls or the like or without being forced to turn at right angles to the diameter in which` it enters the same.

Secured to the base of the conical member 5 is a burner supporting plate 40, the latter' being provided with an annular Harige 4l, which assists in positioning the plate 40 upon. the member 5. An integral depend ing web portion 42 is formed with the plate 40 and is provided with a plurality of `openings 43 in communication with the flared interior of the member 5, said openings being formed to receive burner tubes 44 which have the usual form of incandescent mantles 45 secured thereto. A glass globe or the like 46 isalso fastened to the plate 40 and encircles the mantle 45.

In order to automatically continue the heating of the vaporizing tube 17, after the fuel within the starting pan 25 has been consumed, the supporting plate 40 has secured thereto a fuel shunt 47, which is adapted to conduct a. specified amount of fuel, delivered to the member 5 to an automatic vaporizing tube heater 4S'. The shunt 47 consists of an elbow 48 positioned within the flared interior of the member 5, said elbow comprising a flared and flattened fuel receiving extremity 49 which is positioned directly beneath the bores 30, so as to receive a limited amount of fuel delivered to the member 5, without obstructing the flow of fuel to the burners. The elbow terminates in an upwardly extending branch 50, lo-

Elaid extremities are formed to procated exteriorly of the member 5, and which has connected thereto the lower end of a fuel conducting tube 51, the upper extremity of the latter terminating in a pocket 52 formed in the heater 48.

lhe heater 48 embodies a circular plate 50 which is connected as at 54 with the rods 2 and 3 and is positioned directly above the starting pan 25. The plate 53 is formed with an integral centrally disposed collar 55 having a central opening 56 formed concentrically of the tube 17, said opening 5G being in communication with the pocket 52, so that the fuel delivered by the tube 51 will circulate around the opening 56. Positioned upon an offset annular flange 57, formed on the collar 55, is a. burner sleeve 58, the latter being adapted to surround the tube 17 'and'is interposed between the collar 55 and said tube. rlhe burner sleeve 5S is formed to provide inwardly projecting jets `59, the latter being preferably provided with unequally spaced openings GO.

By this construction it will be seen that the fuel delivered by the tube 51 will circulate around the entire periphery of the sleeve 58 and thence through the openings 60 of the'latter, the fuel being initially lighted at this point by the flame of the burning fuel within the starting pan 25. The flames emitted by the openings 60 will rbe concentrated on all sides of the tube 17 and the heat uniformly distributed upon the tube 17 so that the process of vaporizing the fuel therein will be gradually and perfectly accomplished. A heat conducting sleeve 61 is mounted upon the upper entrent ity of the burner sleeve 58 and serves to rctain the heat arising from the latter in contact with the tube 17, whereby the maximum value of the heat will be obtained before it is permitted to escape from the burner. rlhus the fuel within the tube 17 is gradually vaporized from the time it enters the tube until emitted by the orice 23.

The elbow 4S has the lower portion thereof provided with a vertically extending opening 61 which terminates in a similar opening 62 formed in the web 42 of the plate 40. Said opening 61 has the lower portion thereof closed by a removable set screw 63. The openings 60 and G1 are provided in order to relieve the elbow 45 of liquid collection which might accumulate in the same, as if said liquid were to reach a certain level in the elbow the passage of gas through the latter would be restricted.

ln summary, attention is directed to the following salient features, the seemingly trivial but very important point of enlarging the fuel orifice 23, in order that the free carbon found in the fuel will be prevented from lodging in the orifice and whereby the passage of fuel therethrough will be unobstructed. The method of thoroughly com 130 mingling atmospheric oxygen with the enlarged fuel supply, so that while the fuel supply vhas been increased, the quality of inflammable fuel will not be lowered, due to the novel method of associating increased quantitiesof oxygen therewith. Finally, the novel means for heating the fuel within the gas generating tube, by utilizing surplus fuel delivered tothe burner.

Having described the invention, l claim l. A hydrocarbon burner comprising a generator tube, a burner supporting member below said tube and in open communication therewith, burners depending from said member and communicating therewith, means interposed between said supporting member and the lower end of said generator tube for mixing the vapor issuing from said tube with air and delivering the mixture to said supporting member, a burner surrounding said generator tube, and means leading from said supporting member' to said burner and forming a shunt for a portion of the mixture, whereby said burner may be supplied with fuel.

2. A vhydrocarbon burner comprising a generator tube, a hollow burner supporting member below said tube, and in open communication therewith, burners depending from said member and in open communication therewith, means interposed between said burner supporting member and the lower end of said generator tube for mixing the v apor issuing from said tube with air and delivering the mixture to said member, a vburner surrounding said generator tube, a U tube having a long arm leading from said member to the burner whichsurrounds the generator tube, and having a short arm ared and lflattened and positioned directly beneath the airy mixing device to receive a portion of the air and gas mixture and deliver it to the generator burner without Imaterially obstructing lthe iiow tothe depending burners.

3. A hydrocarbon burner comprising a generator tube, means for carbureting gas discharged from said tube and for conducting the same to a flared burner mouth, a fuel conduit disposed within said flared mouth and provided with an elongated and tapered fuel admitting opening and a burner for heating said generator and adapted to be supplied wit-h fuel by means of said conduit.

4L. A hydrocarbon burning lamp embodying a fuel supply pipe, a valve connected with said pipe, depending rods connected with said valve, a vaporizing tube communieating with said valve, astarting pan carried by said rods and adapted to initially heat said vaporizing tube, a main tube heating burner connected with said rods and located concentrically of said vaporizing tube, a mixing chamber supported by said rods and having graduated passages formed in Vgas admitted to the same to the main burner for heating said vaporizing tube.

5. A hydrocarbon burner comprising a generator tube, a hollow cone-shaped burner supporting member below said tube, and in open communication therewith, burners depending from said member and in open communication therewith, means interposed between said cone-shaped burner support and the lower end of said generator tube for Amixing the vapor issuing from said tube with air and delivering the mixture to said cone-shaped member, a burner surrounding said generating tube, and means leading from said cone-shaped member to said burner and forming a shunt for a portion of said mixture, whereby the burner may 'be supplied with fuel.

6. A hydrocarbon burner comprising a generator tube having the lower end formed with a relatively large discharge orifice, a hollow cone-shaped burner supporting member below said `tube and in axial alinement therewith, a mixing device interposed between said tube and member and embodying a plurality of supporting members spaced apart vertically and formed centrally with axially alining openings through which the vapor discharged byA said tube may pass into said member and draw air with it through the spaces between said supporting members so that a highly combustible mixture will be delivered to said member.

7. A hydrocarbon burner comprising a generator tube having the lower end formed with a relatively ylarge discharge orifice, a hollow cone-shaped burner supporting member below said tube and in axial alinement therewith, a mixing device interposed between said tube and member and embodying a plurality of supporting members spaced apart vertically and formed centrally with axially alining openings through which the vapor discharged by said tube may pass into said member and draw air with it through the yspaces between said supporting members so that a highly combustible mixture will be delivered to said member, a burner surrounding said generator tube, and means leading from said cone-shaped member to said burner whereby a portion of said mixture may be delivered to said burner to feed the latter.

8. A hydrocarbon burner comprising a generator tube having the lower end formed with a relatively large discharge orice, a hollow cone-shaped burner supporting member below said tube and in axial alinement therewith, a mixing device interposed between said tube and member and embodying a plurality of supporting members spaced apart vertically and formed centrally with axially alining openings through which the vapor discharged by said tube may pass into said member and draw air with it through the spaces between said supporting members so that a highly combustible mixture will be delivered to said member, a burner `surrounding said generator tube, means leading from Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of Patents,

said cone-shaped member to said burner whereby a portion of said mixture may be delivered to said burner to feed the latter, and a starting pan below said burner concentrically of said generator tube.

9. A hydrocarbon burner comprising a generator tube, a generator burner surrounding the generator tube, said burner having a plurality of ribs extending inwardly toward the generator tube, said ribs having perforations whereby the gas ilames are caused to impinge against the generator tube.

In testimony whereof I aiX my signature.

WILLIAM H. THAYER.

Washington, D. C. 

